Holy One of Blessings,
I’m returning to my sleep away camp;
my happy place; my holy ground;
the destiny of my annual pilgrimage.
A place where I made cherished memories;
a place where I made lifetime friends;
a place where I did things I’ve never done before.
As I am about to meet my friends after a year of being apart…
let me see them with grace, kindness and compassion;
let them see me with grace, kindness and compassion;
let me see them with fresh eyes, for they have grown and so did I;
let us treat each other like pilgrims coming back to holy ground.
Let us welcome newcomers into our tent with the hospitality of Abram and SarahThe first matriarch, wife of Abraham, and mother of Isaac, whom she birthed at the age of 90. Sarah, in Rabbinic tradition, is considered holy, beautiful, and hospitable. Many prayers, particularly the Amidah (the central silent prayer), refer to God as Magen Avraham – protector of Abraham. Many Jews now add: pokehd or ezrat Sarah – guardian or helper of Sarah..
Let us see newcomers’ beauty through any veils like IsaacAbraham and Sarah's much-longed-for son and the second Jewish patriarch. Isaac is nearly sacrificed by his father at God's command (Genesis 22). He is married to Rebecca and is the father of Esau and Jacob. His Hebrew name is Yitzchak. saw RebeccaThe second Jewish matriarch, Isaac's wife, and mother to Jacob and Esau. Rebecca is an active parent, talking to God when she is pregnant and learning the fate of her children, then ultimately manipulating Isaac and the children to ensure Jacob's ascendancy. Her Hebrew name is Rivka..
Let us inquire about the names of newcomers like the angel who wrestled JacobLit. heel Jacob is the third patriarch, son of Isaac and Rebecca, and father to the twelve tribes of Israel. More than any of the other patriarchs, Jacob wrestles with God and evolves from a deceitful, deal-making young man to a mature, faithful partner to God. His Hebrew name is Yaakov..
Let us notice those who did not return this summer and pray for their health and well-being.
Let us build again a sacred Jewish community based on trust and faith.
ויהי נועם ה אלהינו עלינו
May God’s grace be upon us
ומעשה ידינו כוננה עלינו
Let our community building work succeed
ומעשה ידינו כוננו
Let our work in camp be blessed
